U.S. patent number 11,286,821 [Application Number 15/734,692] was granted by the patent office on 2022-03-29 for exhaust systems and methods for vehicles.
This patent grant is currently assigned to TIGER TOOL INTERNATIONAL INCORPORATED. The grantee listed for this patent is Tiger Tool International Incorporated. Invention is credited to Michael Andrews.
United States Patent |
11,286,821 |
Andrews |
March 29, 2022 |
Exhaust systems and methods for vehicles
Abstract
An exhaust system for a vehicle comprising an engine and a
turbine generator comprises an engine exhaust system and a turbine
exhaust system. The engine exhaust system comprises an engine
exhaust pipe extending from the engine to a desired location
relative to the vehicle. The turbine exhaust system comprises a
turbine exhaust pipe operatively connected between the turbine
generator and the engine exhaust pipe between the engine and the
desired location.
Inventors: |
Andrews; Michael (Bellingham,
WA) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Tiger Tool International Incorporated |
Abbotsford |
N/A |
CA |
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|
Assignee: |
TIGER TOOL INTERNATIONAL
INCORPORATED (Abbotsford, CA)
|
Family
ID: |
68842348 |
Appl.
No.: |
15/734,692 |
Filed: |
June 13, 2019 |
PCT
Filed: |
June 13, 2019 |
PCT No.: |
PCT/US2019/037102 |
371(c)(1),(2),(4) Date: |
December 03, 2020 |
PCT
Pub. No.: |
WO2019/241595 |
PCT
Pub. Date: |
December 19, 2019 |
Prior Publication Data
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Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
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US 20210231038 A1 |
Jul 29, 2021 |
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Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
|
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62685139 |
Jun 14, 2018 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F02C
7/32 (20130101); F01N 5/04 (20130101); F01N
3/023 (20130101); F01N 3/025 (20130101); F05D
2220/76 (20130101); Y02T 10/12 (20130101); F01N
2590/08 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
F01N
3/02 (20060101); F02C 7/32 (20060101); F01N
3/025 (20060101) |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Walter; Audrey B.
Assistant Examiner: Singh; Dapinder
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Schacht; Michael R. Schacht Law
Office, Inc.
Parent Case Text
RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/734,692 is a
371 of International PCT Application No. PCT/US2019/037102 filed
Jun. 13, 2019 .
International PCT Application No. PCT/US2019/037102 claims benefit
of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/685,139 filed Jun. 14,
2018 .
The contents of all related applications are incorporated herein by
reference.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An exhaust system for a vehicle comprising an engine, a fuel
tank, and a turbine generator operatively connected to the fuel
tank comprising: an engine exhaust system comprising an engine
exhaust pipe extending from the engine to a desired location
relative to the vehicle; and a turbine exhaust system comprising a
turbine exhaust pipe operatively connected between the turbine
generator and the engine exhaust pipe between the engine and the
desired location; whereby turbine exhaust generated by combustion
of fuel within the turbine generator is channeled to the engine
exhaust pipe between the engine and the desired location.
2. An exhaust system as recited in claim 1, further comprising a
diesel particulate filter arranged in the engine exhaust pipe,
where the turbine exhaust pipe is operatively connected between the
turbine generator and the engine exhaust pipe upstream of the
diesel particulate filter.
3. An exhaust system as recited in claim 1, further comprising a
diesel particulate filter arranged in the engine exhaust pipe,
where the turbine exhaust pipe is operatively connected between the
turbine generator and the engine exhaust pipe downstream of the
diesel particulate filter.
4. A vehicle comprising: an engine; an engine exhaust system
comprising an engine exhaust pipe extending from the engine to a
desired location; a fuel tank; a turbine generator operatively
connected to the fuel tank; and a turbine exhaust system arranged
between the turbine generator and the engine exhaust pipe between
the engine and the desired location such that turbine exhaust
generated by combustion of fuel within the turbine generator is
channeled to the engine exhaust pipe between the engine and the
desired location.
5. A vehicle as recited in claim 4, further comprising a diesel
particulate filter arranged in the engine exhaust system, where the
turbine exhaust pipe is operatively connected between the turbine
generator and the engine exhaust system upstream of the diesel
particulate filter.
6. A vehicle as recited in claim 4, further comprising a diesel
particulate filter arranged in the engine exhaust system, where the
turbine exhaust pipe is operatively connected between the turbine
generator and the engine exhaust system downstream of the diesel
particulate filter.
7. A method of removing exhaust from an engine and a turbine
generator mounted on a vehicle comprising a fuel tank, the method
comprising the steps of: arranging an engine exhaust pipe to extend
from the engine to a desired location relative to the vehicle;
operatively connecting a turbine exhaust pipe between the turbine
generator and the engine exhaust pipe between the engine and the
desired location; and causing the turbine generator to combust fuel
from the fuel tank such that turbine exhaust generated by
combustion of fuel within the turbine generator is channeled to the
engine exhaust pipe between the engine and the desired
location.
8. A method as recited in claim 7, further comprising the steps of:
arranging a diesel particulate filter in the engine exhaust pipe;
and operatively connecting the turbine exhaust pipe between the
turbine generator and the engine exhaust pipe upstream of the
diesel particulate filter.
9. A method as recited in claim 7, further comprising the steps of:
arranging a diesel particulate filter in the engine exhaust pipe;
and operatively connecting the turbine exhaust pipe between the
turbine generator and the engine exhaust pipe downstream of the
diesel particulate filter.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to vehicle exhaust systems and
methods and, in particular, to exhaust systems and methods for
vehicle mounted turbine engines.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a somewhat schematic perspective view of a first example
vehicle of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a somewhat schematic perspective view of a second example
vehicle of the present invention; and
FIG. 3 is a somewhat schematic perspective view of a third example
vehicle of the present invention.
SUMMARY
The present invention may be embodied as an exhaust system for a
vehicle comprising an engine and a turbine generator comprising an
engine exhaust system and a turbine exhaust system. The engine
exhaust system comprises an engine exhaust pipe extending from the
engine to a desired location relative to the vehicle. The turbine
exhaust system comprises a turbine exhaust pipe operatively
connected between the turbine generator and the engine exhaust pipe
between the engine and the desired location.
The present invention may also be embodied as a vehicle comprising
an engine, an engine exhaust system, a turbine generator, and a
turbine exhaust system. The engine exhaust system extends from the
engine to a desired location. The turbine exhaust system is
arranged between the turbine generator and the engine exhaust pipe
between the engine and the desired location.
The present invention may also be embodied as a method of removing
exhaust from an engine and a turbine generator mounted on a vehicle
comprising the following steps. An engine exhaust pipe is arranged
to extend from the engine to a desired location relative to the
vehicle. The turbine exhaust pipe is operatively connected between
the turbine generator and the engine exhaust pipe between the
engine and the desired location.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The present invention may take a number of forms, and first,
second, and third examples of vehicle exhaust systems of the
present invention will be described separately below.
In the following discussion, the term "front" refers to the
direction of normal travel of the vehicle, while the term "rear"
refers to the direction opposite the direction of normal travel of
the vehicle. The terms "above" and "below" are relative to the
vehicle during normal use. The term "upstream" refers to the
direction in which exhaust flows through a pipe, and the term
"downstream" refers to the direction opposite of the direction in
which exhaust flows through a pipe.
I. First Example Vehicle Exhaust System
Referring initially to FIG. 1 of the drawing, depicted at 20
therein is a first example vehicle 20 comprising a first example
exhaust system 22 constructed in accordance with, and embodying,
the principles of the present invention.
The vehicle 20 is or may be conventional. The first example vehicle
20 is a tractor of the type commonly used to move a commercial
trailer (not shown). The present invention may be used in
conjunction with other types of vehicles that employ an internal
combustion engine and may be configured to use an auxiliary power
source. Examples of other vehicles in connection with which the
present invention may be used include vessels such as ships,
construction vehicles such as bulldozers, and specialized military
vehicles. The present invention, in some forms, is of particular
significance when used with vehicles having a diesel engine, and
that example of the present invention will be described in detail
below.
FIG. 1 illustrates that the first example vehicle 20 comprises a
frame 30 and wheels 32, a cab 34, an engine system 36, and a
generator system 38 supported by the frame 30.
The example engine system 36 comprises an engine 40, a fuel tank
42, and a first example engine exhaust system 44. The engine 40 is
operatively connected to the fuel tank 42 such that the engine 40
burns fuel burns stored in the fuel tank 42. The engine 40 is
further operatively connected to the wheels 32 such that, when the
engine 40 burns fuel from the fuel tank 42, the engine 40 causes
the wheels 32 to rotate and thereby displace the first example
vehicle 20. The engine 40 is further operatively connected to the
first example engine exhaust system 44 such that diesel exhaust
generated by combustion of fuel within the engine 40 is directed to
a desired location 46 that is spaced from the engine 40 and,
typically, located above and behind the cab 34 as will be described
in further detail below. Diesel exhaust typically includes gasses
and particulate matter.
In particular, the first example engine exhaust system 44 comprises
an engine exhaust pipe 50 comprising first, second, and third
engine exhaust pipe portions 52, 54, and 56 and a diesel
particulate filter (DPF) 58. The first engine exhaust pipe portion
52 is connected to the engine 40 and the second engine exhaust pipe
portion 54 such that exhaust is initially channeled below the
engine 40. The example second engine exhaust portion 54
horizontally extends towards the rear of the vehicle below the cab
34 to the third engine exhaust portion 56. The example third engine
exhaust portion 56 extends vertically up behind cab 34 to the
desired location 46. In the first example vehicle exhaust system
44, the DPF 58 is arranged in the second engine exhaust pipe
portion 54. During normal operation of the engine system 36, the
DPF 58 removes particulate matter from the stream of exhaust
flowing from the engine 40 and through the first example vehicle
exhaust system 44. The DPF thus substantially prevents the
introduction of diesel exhaust particulates at the desired location
46.
The example generator system 38 comprises a turbine generator 60, a
secondary fuel line 62, a first example turbine exhaust system 64,
and a turbine housing 66. The secondary fuel line 62 is operatively
connected between the turbine generator 60 and the fuel tank 42 to
allow the turbine generator 60 to combust fuel stored in the fuel
tank 42. The first example turbine exhaust system 64 is operatively
connected to the turbine generator 60 such that turbine exhaust
generated by combustion of fuel within the turbine generator 60 is
directed to the desired location 46 as will be described in further
detail below. The example desired location 46 is thus spaced from
the turbine generator 60. The example turbine housing 66 is
supported by the vehicle frame 30 immediately behind the cab 34.
The example turbine housing 66 in turn supports the turbine
generator 60.
The first example turbine exhaust system 64 comprises first and
second turbine exhaust pipe portions 70 and 72. The first turbine
exhaust pipe portion 70 is connected to the turbine generator 60
and the second engine exhaust pipe portion 72 such that exhaust is
initially channeled away from the turbine generator 60. In
particular, the example second engine exhaust portion 72 is
configured to channel turbine exhaust into the third engine exhaust
portion 56. During normal operation of the generator system 38,
turbine exhaust is introduced into the example engine exhaust
system 44 between the engine 40 and desired location 46. In the
first example turbine exhaust system 64, turbine exhaust is
introduced into the example engine exhaust system 44 downstream of
the DPF 58. The first example turbine exhaust system 64 thus
directs heat and turbine exhaust to a location above and behind the
cab 34. A check valve 74 may be arranged in the turbine exhaust
system 64 to prevent back flow of diesel exhaust into the turbine
generator 60 through the second example turbine exhaust system
64.
II. Second Example Vehicle Exhaust System
Referring now to FIG. 2 of the drawing, depicted at 120 therein is
a second example vehicle 120 comprising a second example exhaust
system 122 constructed in accordance with, and embodying, the
principles of the present invention.
The vehicle 120 is or may be conventional. The second example
vehicle 120 is a tractor of the type commonly used to move a
commercial trailer (not shown). The present invention may be used
in conjunction with other types of vehicles that employ an internal
combustion engine and may be configured to use an auxiliary power
source. Examples of other vehicles in connection with which the
present invention may be used include vessels such as ships,
construction vehicles such as bulldozers, and specialized military
vehicles. The present invention, in some forms, is of particular
significance when used with vehicles having a diesel engine, and
that example of the present invention will be described in detail
below.
FIG. 2 illustrates that the second example vehicle 120 comprises a
frame 130 and wheels 132, a cab 134, an engine system 136, and a
generator system 138 supported by the frame 130.
The example engine system 136 comprises an engine 140, a fuel tank
142, and a second example engine exhaust system 144. The engine 140
is operatively connected to the fuel tank 142 such that the engine
140 burns fuel burns stored in the fuel tank 142. The engine 140 is
further operatively connected to the wheels 132 such that, when the
engine 140 burns fuel from the fuel tank 142, the engine 140 causes
the wheels 132 to rotate and thereby displace the second example
vehicle 120. The engine 140 is further operatively connected to the
second example engine exhaust system 144 such that diesel exhaust
generated by combustion of fuel within the engine 140 is directed
to a desired location 146 that is spaced from the engine 140 and,
typically, located above and behind the cab 134 as will be
described in further detail below. Diesel exhaust typically
includes gasses and particulate matter.
In particular, the second example engine exhaust system 144
comprises an engine exhaust pipe 150 comprising first, second, and
third engine exhaust pipe portions 152, 154, and 156 and a diesel
particulate filter (DPF) 158. The first engine exhaust pipe portion
152 is connected to the engine 140 and the second engine exhaust
pipe portion 154 such that exhaust is initially channeled below the
engine 140. The example second engine exhaust portion 154
horizontally extends towards the rear of the vehicle below the cab
134 to the third engine exhaust portion 156. The example third
engine exhaust portion 156 extends vertically up behind cab 134 to
the desired location 146. In the second example vehicle exhaust
system 144, the DPF 158 is arranged in the third engine exhaust
pipe portion 154. During normal operation of the engine system 136,
the DPF 158 removes particulate matter from the stream of exhaust
flowing from the engine 140 and through the second example vehicle
exhaust system 144. The DPF thus substantially prevents the
introduction of diesel exhaust particulates at the desired location
146.
The example generator system 138 comprises a turbine generator 160,
a secondary fuel line 162, a second example turbine exhaust system
164, and a turbine housing 166. The secondary fuel line 162 is
operatively connected between the turbine generator 160 and the
fuel tank 142 to allow the turbine generator 160 to combust fuel
stored in the fuel tank 142. The second example turbine exhaust
system 164 is operatively connected to the turbine generator 160
such that turbine exhaust generated by combustion of fuel within
the turbine generator 160 is directed to the desired location 146
as will be described in further detail below. The example desired
location 146 is thus spaced from the turbine generator 160. The
example turbine housing 166 is supported by the vehicle frame 130
immediately behind the cab 134. The example turbine housing 166 in
turn supports the turbine generator 160.
The second example turbine exhaust system 164 comprises first and
second turbine exhaust pipe portions 170 and 172. The first turbine
exhaust pipe portion 170 is connected to the turbine generator 160
and the second engine exhaust pipe portion 172 such that exhaust is
initially channeled away from the turbine generator 160. In
particular, the example second engine exhaust portion 172 is
configured to channel turbine exhaust into the third engine exhaust
portion 156 upstream of the DPF 158. During normal operation of the
generator system 138, turbine exhaust is introduced into the
example engine exhaust system 144 between the engine 140 and the
desired location 146 and upstream of the DPF 158.
The second example turbine exhaust system 164 thus directs heat and
turbine exhaust to a location above and behind the cab 134. A check
valve 174 may be arranged in the turbine exhaust system 164 to
prevent back flow of diesel exhaust into the turbine generator 160
through the second example turbine exhaust system 164.
Further, heat in the turbine exhaust flows into the DPF 158. The
heat in the turbine exhaust removes accumulated particulate matter
or prevents the build-up of particulate within DPF such that the
DPF is regenerated whenever the turbine generator 160 is operating.
Exhaust heat from the turbine generator 160 thus functions to
regenerate the DPF 158 during normal operation of the turbine
generator 160 to generate electricity, or the turbine generator 160
may be operated specifically for the purpose of regenerating the
DPF 158.
III. Third Example Vehicle Exhaust System
Referring now to FIG. 3 of the drawing, depicted at 220 therein is
a third example vehicle 220 comprising a third example exhaust
system 222 constructed in accordance with, and embodying, the
principles of the present invention.
The vehicle 220 is or may be conventional. The third example
vehicle 220 is a tractor of the type commonly used to move a
commercial trailer (not shown). The present invention may be used
in conjunction with other types of vehicles that employ an internal
combustion engine and may be configured to use an auxiliary power
source. Examples of other vehicles in connection with which the
present invention may be used include vessels such as ships,
construction vehicles such as bulldozers, and specialized military
vehicles. The present invention, in some forms, is of particular
significance when used with vehicles having a diesel engine, and
that example of the present invention will be described in detail
below.
FIG. 3 illustrates that the third example vehicle 220 comprises a
frame 230 and wheels 232, a cab 234, an engine system 236, and a
generator system 238 supported by the frame 230.
The example engine system 236 comprises an engine 240, a fuel tank
242, and a third example engine exhaust system 244. The engine 240
is operatively connected to the fuel tank 242 such that the engine
240 burns fuel burns stored in the fuel tank 242. The engine 240 is
further operatively connected to the wheels 232 such that, when the
engine 240 burns fuel from the fuel tank 242, the engine 240 causes
the wheels 232 to rotate and thereby displace the third example
vehicle 220. The engine 240 is further operatively connected to the
third example engine exhaust system 244 such that diesel exhaust
generated by combustion of fuel within the engine 240 is directed
to a desired location 246 that is spaced from the engine 240 and,
typically, located above and behind the cab 234 as will be
described in further detail below. Diesel exhaust typically
includes gasses and particulate matter.
In particular, the third example engine exhaust system 244
comprises an engine exhaust pipe 250 comprising first, second, and
third engine exhaust pipe portions 252, 254, and 256 and a diesel
particulate filter (DPF) 258. The first engine exhaust pipe portion
252 is connected to the engine 240 and the second engine exhaust
pipe portion 254 such that exhaust is initially channeled below the
engine 240. The example second engine exhaust portion 254
horizontally extends towards the rear of the vehicle below the cab
234 to the third engine exhaust portion 256. The example third
engine exhaust portion 256 extends vertically up behind cab 234 to
the desired location 246. In the third example vehicle exhaust
system 244, the DPF 258 is arranged in the second engine exhaust
pipe portion 254 below the cab 234. During normal operation of the
engine system 236, the DPF 258 removes particulate matter from the
stream of exhaust flowing from the engine 240 and through the third
example vehicle exhaust system 244. The DPF thus substantially
prevents the introduction of diesel exhaust particulates at the
desired location 246.
The example generator system 238 comprises a turbine generator 260,
a secondary fuel line 262, a third example turbine exhaust system
264, and a turbine housing 266. The secondary fuel line 262 is
operatively connected between the turbine generator 260 and the
fuel tank 242 to allow the turbine generator 260 to combust fuel
stored in the fuel tank 242. The third example turbine exhaust
system 264 is operatively connected to the turbine generator 260
such that turbine exhaust generated by combustion of fuel within
the turbine generator 260 is directed to the desired location 246
as will be described in further detail below. The example desired
location 246 is thus spaced from the turbine generator 260. The
example turbine housing 266 is supported by the vehicle frame 230
immediately behind the cab 234. The example turbine housing 266 in
turn supports the turbine generator 260.
The third example turbine exhaust system 264 comprises first,
second, and third turbine exhaust pipe portions 270, 272, and 274.
The first turbine exhaust pipe portion 270 is connected to the
turbine generator 260, and the third engine exhaust pipe portion
274 is connected to the third example engine exhaust system 244.
The example second turbine exhaust system 272 is connected between
the first turbine exhaust portion 270 and the third turbine exhaust
portion 274 such that exhaust is channeled away from the turbine
generator 260 and into the third example engine exhaust system. In
particular, the example second engine exhaust portion 272 is
configured to channel turbine exhaust into the second engine
exhaust portion 256 upstream of the DPF 258. During normal
operation of the generator system 238, turbine exhaust is
introduced into the example engine exhaust system 244 between the
engine 240 and the desired location 246 upstream of the DPF
258.
The third example turbine exhaust system 264 thus directs heat and
turbine exhaust to a location above and behind the cab 234. A check
valve 376 may be arranged in the turbine exhaust system 264 to
prevent back flow of diesel exhaust into the turbine generator 260
through the third example turbine exhaust system 264.
Further, heat in the turbine exhaust flows into the DPF 258. The
heat in the turbine exhaust removes accumulated particulate matter
or prevents the build-up of particulate within DPF such that the
DPF is regenerated whenever the turbine generator 260 is operating.
Exhaust heat from the turbine generator 260 thus functions to
regenerate the DPF 258 during normal operation of the turbine
generator 260 to generate electricity, or the turbine generator 260
may be operated specifically for the purpose of regenerating the
DPF 258.
* * * * *